Oakwood’s Affiliation and Government

AFFILIATION AND GOVERNMENT

Oakwood is a member of the Evangelical Free Church of America, an association of autonomous churches united by a mutual commitment to serve our Lord Jesus Christ with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and obedience to the Word of God.

The term Evangelical refers to our commitment to the proclamation of the Gospel and to the authority for the Scriptures as the only safe and sufficient guide to faith and practice. The term Free refers to the autonomy of local churches, as well as to a Congregational form of external government.

Oakwood has an elder led form of internal government. The members entrust the human leadership of the church to the guidance and direction of the senior pastor and elders (limited to qualified males). Oakwood is notelder-ruled, since authority ultimately rests with the congregation – under the Lord’s direction – not with the elders or staff. The members affirm elders by vote and hold them accountable for their character, doctrine, and leadership.